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Recruiting FAQs

Are we hiring?

The Lynchburg Police Department hires twice per year for the position of police recruit to coincide with the start of the police academy. The application process opens in January and closes in May for the July police academy and it opens up in July and closes in September for the January police academy. Visit www.lynchburgva.gov/employment-opportunities to see if we are currently hiring. The application process is always open for Virginia certified law enforcement officers.

How long does the hiring process take?

For successful applicants, the hiring process can take three to six months, depending on when the application is received, the start of the police academy, and the number of anticipated vacancies. The Lynchburg Police Department has a multi-staged process that has proven to be effective for our agency. We conduct numerous hiring events which consist of a physical agility test, written test, and an oral interview panel. After the application process and if you are offered employment, you will attend the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy located in Lynchburg. The academy lasts approximately 22 weeks and you are paid a full salary with benefits while attending. Virginia certified officers are exempt from attending the academy. Officer will be placed with a Field Training Officer (FTO) for 12 weeks once you complete the academy.

When and where do you conduct hiring events?

The Personnel and Recruitment staff typically holds six hiring events each year from which applicants are selected to eventually become hired to attend the police academy. The events are held at the Lynchburg City Armory and Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy when available.

Do I still have to take your test if I have taken one for another department?

Yes, we do not share or obtain written test results from other police departments.

Will prior drug use disqualify me?

An arrest for a drug related offense will make you an ineligible candidate. Experimental drug use may be a disqualifier depending on the circumstances. We evaluate all experimental drug use on a case-by-case basis.

How old do I have to be to qualify as a police officer?

The minimum age to become a Lynchburg Police Officer is 20 ½ years old. There is no maximum age.

Do I have to have college credits or a college degree?

Even though college education can be an asset, it is not required to apply.

Where is the Personnel & Recruitment Office located?

Our Personnel & Recruitment Office is located in the West Building at 805 Court Street in Lynchburg. You may contact us at (434) 455-6048.

How do I get promoted within the Police Department?

For officers to be eligible to pursue career progression from the rank of Recruit Police Officer, Police Officer, Police Officer II, and Police Officer III, they must meet established eligibility requirements and criteria’s that are job-related and nondiscriminatory; and they must apply when they have met the established criteria for each rank. For officers to be promoted above rank of Police Officer III or transferred into a specialized unit, they must go through a competitive process that involves written tests, interviews, assessments centers, and performance evaluations. Promotions and transfers to specialized assignments include: Bike Patrol, Community Action Team, Crime Scene Unit, Criminal Investigations, Crisis Negotiations, Digital Forensics, Gang Unit, Intelligence Unit, K-9 Unit, School Resource Officer, Tactical Unit, Traffic Unit, and Vice/Narcotics Unit.

What may disqualify me from being hired?

There are many things that may terminate your application process. These include (but are not limited to):

Failing any of the required tests for employment

Failing to attend any scheduled test or appointment in the process

Misdemeanor arrests or activities

Poor driving record - poor driving history

Any false or misleading information in your application paperwork

Any criminal conviction involving lying, cheating, or stealing

Drug use and/or distribution

What will disqualify me from the hiring process?

Felony drug usage (Methamphetamine, Heroin, Ecstasy, etc)

Conviction or commission of a felony

Conviction of Misdemeanor Domestic Violence

Negative points on your driving record

DUI within the past three years

Bills currently in collections

A pattern of poor driving

Having filed for or declared bankruptcy within the past three years

What kind of shifts do officers work?

New Police Officers will start their training in the Field Operations Bureau. Most Field Operations Officers work 12 hour shifts which rotate every six weeks between daylight and midnight hours with every other weekend off. There are some positions that work a Monday - Friday 8-10 hour cycle as well.